The Royal Navy Officer’s Pocket-Book
£7.60£9.50 (-20%)
“”The art of command is.to be the complete master, and yet the complete friend of every man on board; the temporal lord and yet the spiritual brother of every rating; to be detached and yet not dissociated.’
A Seaman’s Pocket-Book, 1943′, has found huge appeal with the British public. Presented in the same format, the Officer’s Handbook gathers together useful advice and instruction for those naval officers fighting the Second World War on all aspects of their job, expressed in the benevolent language of the day, when authority was respected.
The Handbook has been compiled and edited by Brian Lavery, who provides commentary and an introduction. Sections include: the Officer’s Aid Memoire containing notes of the training course at one of the officer training schools; Notes for medical officers and treatment of battle casualties afloat; Notes for captains on taking command of their first ship; Notes for commanding officers; Notes on the handling and safety of ships and notes on dealing with disobedience and mutiny.
While suffused with nostalgia and charm, the various contents of this book are an authentic presentation of matters of training, authority and deportment in the wartime navy. The book is sure to appeal not only to those who served in the war or had a relative who was in the officer class, but also to anyone who wants to gain a greater understanding of the day-to-day administration of the wartime navy.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Osprey Publishing (11 Jan. 2018) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 144 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1472834089 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1472834089 |
| Dimensions | 13.31 x 1.6 x 19.96 cm |
by RobJ
This is a great little book with some facinating and inspiring references to leadership. My main critisism is that it is a little disjointed. More thought could have been given to the context layout of the different subject matter. There also seems to be an over large section referring to the requirements of Medical Officers.
All of this not withstanding, it is a facinating little leadership reference that many civilian managers would well be advised to take a look at!
by L. E. May
This little book is indeed a gem. Not only does one salute the writers for their incisive advice to Royal Navy officers in a time of total war, this book makes clear the steep learning curve of those many civilians who became sea officers in World War II. The introduction begins with a lovely quotation from some time RNVR officer Sir Alec Guinness.
But this is more than a document – rather, a collection of documents – of war history. It is a pocket-book that will be instructive for naval officers, of any nationality, even today. Anyone who has had sea command, indeed served in a warship, will enjoy reflecting on chapters entitled “Your Ship”, “HMS Duncan – Captain’s Orders” and “The Home Fleet Destroyer Orders”. Those in the sick bay might not so much enjoy the two chapters aimed at Medical Officers at sea in wartime!
Any naval rating who has been a defaulter will be interested to see the advice offered to investigating officers (too late to request ‘to state a complaint’ now, though!) and the final chapter, on “Mutiny in the Royal Navy”, is a lesson for all time.
The section on leadership is just as relevant today, perhaps moreso, and is not just for naval officers; the advice should be read by anyone in a leadership role, whether in the armed forces or civilian life. Those who have served in the Royal Navy, as well as other services, will surely nod in agreement as they read “Never forget that the Ratings have few rights; but they definitely have got a right to good Officers”, and “Do not despise advice tendered to you by your subordinates”, as well as “There is nothing more irritating to a sailor than to be addressed as ‘You there’ or something akin to that. He likes to know that he is known by name.” At this price, I’d wager that this is one of the best value books on leadership on the market today – the basics are timeless. There are indeed good lessons from history.
For those with an interest in family history, with ancestors or relatives who served in the Royal Navy, this little volume will certainly give a good idea of the responsibilities of naval officers and of life in the Royal Navy. Although the book cover states 1944, it could just as well read 1964, 1984 or, perhaps, 2004.
by Alex W
I found this book most engrossing, having read it in conjunction with ‘A Seaman’s Pocket-book’. I lacked such a concise book on leadership and people-management when I served as a junior officer in the RN. If I was heading off for young officer training at Dartmouth now, this book would be invaluable. It underlines the value of humility, and I particularly liked the observations that leadership and command (of a ship) is a privilege that one should strive to be worthy of.
by Dunsailing4v1Mess
Very interesting
by Alex Denny
I come reading this book from 3 years so far of being a Navy Cadet, and I am currently working towards being a Warfare Officer in the RN. I came across the book on Amazon, and reckoned it could be interesting.
However, something to note as I discovered is that if you’re looking for the book to present entirely notes on leadership as I did, the Pocket-Book is slightly different to that.
This book contains several different leaflets and pamphlets given to Officers throughout the Second World War. The first few focus on becoming an Officer (this being in light of the high amount of rapid promotions to Officer during the war to fill ranks) and commanding your crew as such. Other pamphlets include running a Destroyer, and multiple notes on being a Medical Officer.
Overall, the book is a great read. This is occasionally a disrupted read at times, as text will often jump to refer the reader to certain other forms (as the pamphlets would have), and I would only suggest the read for those as interested in the Navy as I am, as it can be fairly complex reading for someone not familiar with the Navy. To such people, I highly recommend the book – you may enjoy it as I did, sitting in the corner of my Cadet class, occasionally looking up to add a point to the lesson!
by Kindle Customer
Would be nice to compare similar updates to conditions in peace times or if such a book is. In print in 2023.
by arranessence
Slightly old fashioned today, however sage advice for budding Naval officers.
by Karen P.
Great book thank you